About the Soundtrack
"Wing Commander"
Theme by David Arnold
Original Score by Kevin Kiner
The fully orchestral "Wing Commander" soundtrack is a team effort
by composers David Arnold and Kevin Kiner, who together have worked on
the music for several television projects, including the science-fiction
series "Stargate SG-1" and "The Visitor." The two also have established
solo careers. Arnold has scored the films "Independence Day," "Godzilla,"
"Stargate" and the recent James Bond adventure, "Tomorrow Never Dies."
Among Kiner's composing credits are "The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest,"
"Leprechaun" and "Land of the Lost."
The film, based on the best-selling "Wing Commander" computer game
series, combines state-of-the-art special effects, explosive action and
a romantic story line as it follows the exploits of rebellious rookie space
pilot Christopher Blair (Freddie Prinze Jr. of "She's All That"). In a
heroic quest to fend off an impending alien invasion, Blair is joined by
fellow maverick pilots Todd "Maniac" Marshall (Matthew Lillard of "Scream")
and Jeanette "Angel" Devereaux (Saffron Burrows of "Circle of Friends").
"Wing Commander" also stars Tcheky Karyo ("La Femme Nikita" and "Goldeneye"), David Suchet ("Executive Decision") and Jurgen Prochnow ("Air Force One" and "Das Boot").
When I set out to make "Wing Commander," I en-visioned a classic World War II film as its model. Except that it was set in space, 500 years from now. This motif played strongly in the design and look of the picture. I also wanted it to play strongly in the score. I wanted the music to evoke some of the glorious old war film scores; full of heart, melody and heroic acts. "633 Squadron," "The Dam Busters" and other such classics came to my mind.
When I first talked to David and Kevin about the score, they were in tune from step one.
In fact, my first conversation with David had him citing classic war film scores as a jumping- off point - and that was before I'd even pitched him on my 'WWII' in space concept! From that point on, I am happy to say I was in good hands. From hearing the first temps to being blown away by the orchestra on the scoring stage at Air Lyndhurst, I was constantly surprised and impressed. The sound they've managed to capture evokes epic movies from the fifties and sixties. It's some of the best space music I've heard, right up there with the classics we've all grown up with. The film required many things of the score, bravery, guts, youthfulness, mystery, danger, loss and redemption. David and Kevin delivered all that and hummable melodies into the bargain! (I guarantee you'll be whistling the title cue as you leave the cinema.) The film grows as a result. Bravo! Here's to working together again.
Chris Roberts
Director
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